Dear Colleagues, Last year the administration requested that all seven of the district bargaining units make a salary concession, and "give back" 1% of their scheduled raise. The WTA co-presidents consulted with members of the WTA Executive Board and the presidents of the other bargaining units, and refused to make the requested concession. No vote was held in Representative Council or among the general membership, nor could there have been -- the executive branch had not brought back any negotiated settlement to vote upon. When the dust finally settled on the state budget for the 2010-11 school year, the administration had federal jobs money in hand, and spent it on consultants, while several teachers that were laid off were not recalled to service. This year the administration again made demands for unilateral concessions from the bargaining units, although only three of them were actually in position to give anything up, since the other 4 units are engaged in full contractual negotiations already. Other than that, the difference was that this year management decided to announce its negotiating position to the entire staff, a particular form of divide-and-conquer strategy that we have not seen in the past 18 years. It didn't work. The WTA leadership team had already been analyzing the issue for months, and had a very clear picture of why the request was unacceptable. At the February 7 meeting of the WTA Executive Board we discussed our strategy for dealing with the administration's impending request and decided that the only way we could negotiate any contractually sealed articles will be during the fall of 2011, when we enter full contractual negotiations. The reasons for this have already been described and shared in recent WTA publications and e-mails. The Executive Board members decided that the WTA president should instead attempt to negotiate an alternative way of saving the district a huge sum of money: a special one-time extension of the retirement incentive to all members old enough to retire under the TRS rules. We estimate that this incentive should save the district at least a million dollars in next year's budget. The negotiations were successful, and the president brought back a Memorandum of Understanding for approval. Although we had met just the week before, we called an emergency meeting of the WTA Executive Board on February 14, which was held just prior to the regularly scheduled Representative Council meeting. At both meetings we read and discussed the MOU, and both bodies passed the MOU unanimously. During the President's Report in the session of Representative Council, we discussed the administration's request for salary concessions at length. Questions were asked and answered, and opinion ran strongly in favor of the strong stand taken by the Executive branch. No vote was taken in either chamber on the issue of concessions, because there was no MOU to vote upon. The same proper procedures that were followed in the past were followed this year. To make salary concessions at the same time that the administration absolutely refused to discuss contractual tweaks to help us deliver instruction more effectively were not the right answer; instead of a giant loss for all teachers, we instead negotiated a significant win for all parties, at a large net savings for the district. While it is our hope that we can now move forward and help the administration find other overlooked opportunities and new efficiencies in their proposed spending, management is clinging to a 20th century approach. At the time of this writing, the district has 28 million dollars in its reserve funds. Management can draw from those reserves, it can cut from an expansive menu of voluntary expenses, it can reduce the number of administrators, and it can reduce the number of teachers. In short, management has a lot of options, and at its own discretion will decide whether or not to minimize the impact on students. On a related note, on February 15 & 16, the US Secretary of Education led a national conference on "Advancing Student Achievement Through Labor-Management Collaboration." Webster (represented by the WTA president, superintendent, and president of the BOE) was one of 150 school districts from across the nation that participated in this initiative. A central theme was one that would appear counter-intuitive to many: a strong teachers' union is an essential partner in school progress. The twelve model districts, including a charter school network, have all embraced and applied this collaborative concept to enhance student achievement while finding new cost efficiencies. True "Collaboration" does not mean that management makes demands and labor makes concessions. It means that neither side come to the table with pre-scripted positions, but rather that they work through an interest-based process of collaborative problem solving, using consistent logic. When decisions are made in this way, both parties have ownership and are fully invested. While many districts use this method on a part time basis, the districts modeled at the Denver conference displayed consistent application of the practice, and applied it to a full spectrum of educational issues, not a select few. Another concept celebrated at the conference is that the primary purpose of unions is not to gain benefits for teachers, but to negotiate the conditions critical to student achievement from the teachers' perspective. While administrations can provide structure and collective data from the top-down, it's teachers who provide essential ground-truth from the bottom-up. Successful solutions require information to flow in both directions. Giving lip-service to "input" is not the same as genuine shared decision-making. The most underused resource in public education is classroom teachers' knowledge of what their students truly need -- and this does not mean chalk and pencils. Teachers are skilled professionals who work closely with their students on a daily basis, and this student-teacher interaction is the most critical element in student success. No matter how unions may be painted in the press, the great financial struggle in education is not one of teachers demanding ever-increasing funding while management valiantly resists -- the real heart of the problem is that administrations so often spend great sums of money on the wrong things. Our history abounds with purchases and programs predestined to the trash bin, because teachers were excluded from the decision-making process. Teachers must be asked what they need, not told. From there, joint dialogue, and in the end, a decision. To most effectively support their students, teachers require administrative assistance, not bureaucratic barriers. Fully embracing the model of labor-management collaboration can help us to deliver a better education at a lower cost. This requires a new mindset -- collaboration cannot be dictated, it can only be developed in partnership. As we entered budgetary discussions this year, management attempted to continue business as usual -- they demanded concessions and expected us to make them. But it is only through standing up and saying "No" to unreasonable demands that we can get them to join us in a future of genuine, and unlimited collaboration. At the administration's request, teachers submitted a wide variety of money saving suggestions for their consideration. But when the WTA gathered these suggestions, management originally refused to even listen to them, let alone consider them -- they only wanted to hear ideas that mirrored the concessions they had already demanded. We resisted their unilateral approach, in the hope that they might actually open up to true innovation and collaboration. Instead, in recent days, management has chosen to violate the Taylor Law by attempting to negotiate directly with union members rather than the duly elected union leadership. Nothing could be a greater betrayal of the principles expounded at the Denver conference, and it gives us great insight into their stubborn mindset. The WTA is not refusing to negotiate or collaborate. The WTA is refusing to make unilateral concessions of management's choosing. It is management that has drawn a line and refuses to discuss many issues that directly impact student achievement, daily schedules at all three levels as an obvious example. We attempted to get them to make tweaks to the high school schedule to allow teachers to better serve their students, but management rebuffed our requests out of hand, refusing to consider the issues anywhere else but in full contractual negotiations to be held next year. That was their decision, not ours. The WTA would like nothing more than for both sides to embrace the concept of collaboration that we saw modeled at the conference, but management clings to its 20th century vision of "managerial rights" to impose, rather than collaborate. When they are ready to work together, we will be ready, for we have been waiting for a long time. In Solidarity,the WTA Leadership

Steve,
Thank you for the clarification of all of the issues we are facing today. Until the administration lays out-step by step-which cuts they are going to be making from the TOP DOWN, I am not willing to entertain concessions. There is so much administrative fat in this district it is astounding. Please continue to keep us informed. The majority of us are behind you 100%

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MG

3/1/2011 12:23:41 am

Steve,

Keep the strength. You are representing us well and many I know support you 110%.

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Steve Landgren

3/1/2011 12:29:32 am

Steve,

I appreciate greatly the fact-filled, clear message that you communicate with. What amazes me is that the district is sitting on $28 million dollars and yet seems to be focused on making the teachers "pay" (either by a reduction of pay or layoffs) for the budget shortfall. I think that we need to turn the spotlight on this. Can this money be re-allocated from whatevery it is earmarked for and applied to the budget shortfall? If NY State is not allowing this to happen, then pressure needs to be brought to bear on the state so that these "crises" can be solved.

If we take a pay reduction, we will never recover that money. I have been in this district since 1987 (teaching since 1977) and can tell that those types of reductions will effect you for the rest of your career AND beyond. For those looking to retire, this could be lifelong loss as it will greatly effect your Final Average Salary which is what your pension is based on. As was pointed our before, we gave back money once before in order to avoid cutting school nurse teachers and yet the district eliminated them a year later. Taking this pay cut is no guarantee that cuts won't happen in the future.

We need to support our WTA leadership. They are looking out not for us but for our kids and our community. Thank you.

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LB

3/1/2011 12:42:54 am

I support the vigorous work our union has been engaged in. In support of their hard-work I will not circumvent their efforts. When Adele and Carm come to our building, I will not be attending.

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laura gutter

3/1/2011 12:48:45 am

Steve,

Thank you! Thank you! I support the union 100%.

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kw

3/1/2011 01:42:33 am

Steve,
Thanks for staying strong in OUR position on the budget issues. Personally, I believe you have been doing a wonderful job of representing us. STAY STRONG.

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s

3/1/2011 01:49:40 am

Steve and the rest of our Union Leadership. Thanks for all you are doing. Why are we asked to give $$ back during difficult times but not given a pay increase if our contract does not keep pace with economic growth? Such a double standard

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Dude

3/1/2011 02:30:33 am

I would ask all of our members this question: What has this Superintendent done for any of us? Zippo. Any talk that somehow the damaged relationship with management has been repaired is crazy talk. Any one who was in discussions about changing the schedules three years ago knows how union members were treated. Anyone who thinks that now management is playing nice is delusional. Thanks to Steve and the WTA leadership for speaking truth to power. it's been a long time coming.

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Andrea Rduolph

3/1/2011 02:41:00 am

I am dismayed by the rhetoric and position taken by our union president in his letters to our membership. Instead of taking a thoughtful, collaborative and balanced approach to the crisis faced by Webster and school districts across New York and the country, we’ve reverted to an inflammatory ‘us versus them’ mentality that reflects past practices of a bygone era and ignores the challenging economic realities of today’s world. This budget deficit was not caused by any individuals or groups in Webster and placing blame and bringing up past differences is no way to resolve this problem. In fact, we are very fortunate to have an administration that is asking for solutions and feedback rather than just unilaterally imposing cuts and layoffs as they have in other districts.

Many people in our community have not received raises for several years and teachers and other public employees across the nation are agreeing to wage freezes (and even cuts) to preserve jobs and maintain quality education. It feels like the WTA position is out of step with a world where hundreds of thousands of people are losing jobs and are unable to support their families.

Leadership means working in the interests of ALL members, not only those with the most tenure. Other Webster units are getting member feedback and compiling ideas to jointly resolve this crisis. Individual teachers have suggested solutions which include wage concessions as well as other creative solutions including reducing 105 contributions, conference days, and lead teacher compensation/positions. I encourage the WTA leadership to follow these examples by soliciting additional feedback from its membership, offering 21st century solutions and providing positive proactive leadership.

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Eileen Connelly

3/1/2011 03:14:15 am

Steve, you are doing an excellent job in difficult circumstances. I agree with previous posters that the high school schedule debacle is perhaps the strongest proof of management's inability to listen to the people who are doing the work in the classrooms. This year, again, class sizes are poorly balanced which should be an easy fix for a district with as many managers and as much technology as we have.

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Hogwash

3/1/2011 04:59:17 am

I love how former union presidents and management have the same talking points. If they thought they could have been such great leaders, they could have ran again. We've already voted on what we're doing next school year WHEN WE VOTED ON THIS CONTRACT. My guess is they're being spoon fed whatever the district wants them to say in exchange for something. They didn't stand up for us when the high school schedule was mangled and management continue to waste money now. Remember FCAs & Dimensions of Learning??? Every person I've spoken with in our building has said the same thing, "why would we give back something we've earned?".
Remember last year when there were going to be massive layoffs? How long did new teacher introductions take?
Why is my superintendent crying poverty while she's driving around in a MERCEDES SUV!?!?
Why does the assistant to the superintendent have an assistant?
Why do elementary schools have Vice Principals?
And FYI - Who do you think bargains for the salary of younger teachers? It's the ones with the most experience. They're not selling you out, they're making it so that once you've served 30 years you don't have to eat Ramen noodles anymore.

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angry

3/1/2011 06:32:21 am

Steve,most of us are behind you 100%. We all know that certain people who are badmouthing you and kissing administrative ass are on the administrative track themselves. They did an extremely poor job representing us with the schedule changes and last contract and now they are pointing fingers? Do not be fooled people-they are the pawns of an administration who are spoon feeding them in exchange for future favors. I want to see what administrators-the top of the food chain- are really doing to make "sacrifices.." Give me a break. Cut from the top and seriously, show some appreciation for the fact that it is the teachers who have the contact with the kids, NOT those who schedule mindless meeting after meeting after meeting. Wake up and back our union leadership...

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WTA member

3/1/2011 07:47:40 am

I think our WTA leadership is doing a phenomenal job of trying to communicate regularly with members and advocate on behalf of the members. Thank you for that. It could not be a more critical time for us. I am tired of these repetitive, long-winded e-mails from DAO about how they are disappointed in us (which I feel is an attempt to turn us against one another within our own union). I hope all WTA members will seriously consider contacting their local NYS representatives about current issues as well as consider donating to VOTE COPE later this month. NYSUT has a strong voice in Albany pertaining to lobbying efforts and we need to help pitch in funding to have that voice heard.

As WTA members, we also need to continue to brainstorm ideas with fellow WTA members (to present to our union leadership) of ways in which to cut the budget deficit that will minimize teacher lay offs and harm to our students. I personally was not impressed with the recent list of suggestions shared via Adele and Carmen's e-mail. I think collectively we can propose better (and I personally have e-mailed our leadership some other ideas).

Would anyone else love to see a weekly record of what their Curriculum Supervisor does hour by hour to earn the wages they do? Mine brings little to the table that the department teachers could not easily manage/produce.

Also - - referring to a wage freeze for Adele, Carmen, etc. is like comparing apples to oranges if you size that up against a WTA member's hypothetical wage freeze! They make a lot more money than us, so that accounts for a lesser percentage of total income lost.

To Andrea - DAO's "asking" for input from WTA members re: the budget crisis at hand and then actually taking those suggestions into serious consideration/and to heart are two entirely different things. Our Superintendent (that we know has a higher salary than our state Governor) told high school teachers two years ago that the schedule change would only afford students the ability to take more courses/electives. This was a blatant lie...the kids are now able to take less courses (some are truly having to choose between math and science - no exaggeration). To me, it is a bunch of lip service. The trust has been broken from too many lies told...

Speaking from my own experiences, if ever required of me, I would have no problem calling some of our "esteemed higher ups" and administration at DAO complete liars straight to their faces. That being said, I am still willing to try and collaborate and offer ideas towards solving this dilemma in the best interest of my kids.

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angry

3/1/2011 07:58:30 am

Would anyone else love to see a weekly record of what their Curriculum Supervisor does hour by hour to earn the wages they do? Mine brings little to the table that the department teachers could not easily manage/produce.

GREAT IDEA-I WOULD LOVE TO SEE THIS!

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Bob Marley

3/1/2011 08:28:23 am

All we are asking is to work together for a solution. The district said no first, not the Union.

Steve....I think that many people who have been writing responses questioning wta leadership and decision making were the ones not long ago who failed to make those same decisions when given the opportunity. It is a breath of fresh air when finally I feel as though someone is taking a stand a defending my profession , my status and my contract from a superintendent who is just passing through like the last 4 or 5 have. when many in management leave who will still be here cleaning up and dealing with their mistakes and mismangement....us, the teachers! If we are asked to make concessions for salary and benefits this year...what does next year bring? Stay the course....in unity

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SM

3/2/2011 12:17:23 am

Steve, thank you. What I appreciate most is the cogent, analytical, and historically considerate counter-arguments you have made. Many members are scared or angry -- and that is to be expected -- but our leadership needs to be as calm and calculating as those who would have us give up something for nothing. Your efficient, even-keeled responses are exactly what this difficult situation calls for, so thank you.

As for the rest of us, let us avoid attacking people's salaries, choice of personal vehicle, or members you think might be in league with the management. These things are either irrelevant or speculative and do not lend credibility to our cause. What is needed in this current situation is a position of strength and solidarity, both of which we gain by allowing our elected representatives to be our voice and by trusting them to not put us in a position of weakness by folding because of the public posturing of the management.

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Thing 1 and Thing 2

3/2/2011 12:30:57 am

The divide and conquer method the administration is using is working. At a meeting, teachers were stating to the administration that they feel the WTA isn't communicating effectively to its members. The information is out there, look for it and ask questions. We say our students are passive, yet I feel we are being passive in our gathering of information. Attend the meetings and see what the Superintendent is saying... she already knows what she is going to do... and it won't be minimizing administration positions, because she hired them, and she will never admit to a mistake... which is what she would be doing if she eliminated positions....the only place she can reduce is with the teachers... we shouldn't let her... by the way... why doesn't the English Dept. have their own curriculum head when all the other depts do? Are they needed? NOPE... but she hired them... can't get rid of them... EGG ON HER FACE

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Lissa Coppola

3/2/2011 01:58:41 am

Steve --

I want to thank you for sending your email. So much is being said and it is all so distracting and upsetting from all sides. What I appreciate most is your candor and logic. We need to see the details with logic and without emotion because we need to be logical.

Please know that you have support.

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Usually Neutral

3/2/2011 08:45:12 am

I usually try to stay pretty neutral on these things, but this is not the time to do that in light of all of the attacks on our profession. Not sure what is motivating the personal attacks on our WTA leadership, but it feels like these people are playing right into the hands of the administration. I for one feel as if our new leadership in WTA is doing a fantastic job of keeping us informed in a very easy to understand way. Not sure what they do not understand about the numerous communications that have been put out. If I thought for one minute that this current administration was being straight and honest with us,I would seriously consider making some concessions-but I don't trust them at all. I want answers --straight answers--from them about exactly where they plan to cut from their own office first, before we, the teachers, begin to talk about concessions. we do not need curriculum supervisors-the previous writer was dead on when she said that the English department hasn't had one for two years and they are functioning much better without their "help." Cut from the top first and then we can begin to talk, but until then, wake up fellow teachers who think Adele and Carm are "in your corner!"

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Laura D'Angelo

3/2/2011 10:34:47 am

Steve,

Thank you for informing us with logical explanations as to why the WTA is taking the stance we are. We as teachers should be proud of the job we do for the students in Webster. We shouldn't have to apologize for agreeing to a contract four years ago. If we don't abide by a legal contract, what do we have to stand on? What does our contract even mean if we don't believe the agreement should be adhered to?

Thank you for your leadership.

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Mike DiTullio, Schroeder

3/2/2011 10:59:17 pm

Dear unit members: One of the key talking points offered by the administration is that the research on class size is not convincing. I know this because I attended a budget workshop, the first one, at Willink two weeks ago. An administrator said, "We are looking at class-size." The community members who sat at our table both emphatically stated that increasing class-size should be a last resort. Translation: don't lay-off teachers. It was then that the talking point about class-size was offered. The link below is to a non-profit organization. They have links to numerous peer-reviewed studies about the benefits of smaller classes. More than a guaranteed viable curriculum, more than technology integration, more than PLCS, SMART goals, more than almost any other factor, reduced class size has the most direct correlation to learning. If you get the chance, view the site and some of the studies to arm yourself against the canard that increasing class size is not a big deal. Thanks.
http://www.classsizematters.org/

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Supportive and open minded

3/3/2011 12:57:01 am

Dear Steve,
Thank you so much for working so hard on our behalf! Your letter was very detailed and informative. I am praying for the best, and remain optimistic that we will be able to - in solidarity - work this situation out while preserving jobs.

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Andrea

3/3/2011 01:36:20 am

I find it ironic that one of my colleagues rips Adele for her choice of car when our president drives a BMW ... I find it ironic that our leadership won't even consider talking about our options at a general meeting when it seems other units have done just that. I'd most likely not vote for any concession, but for god's sakes, treat us like adults and give us some honest information instead of the destructive rhetoric that's been sent out.
Though I may not agree with all that Adele has written, I've found her message to be so much more informative and productive than what little (very little)"facts" that our leadership has shared.
I remember clearly our union president wearing military fatigues for months during the last time negotiations went poorly. This isn't a war, this is two sides supposedly headed by rational adults trying to have a constructive conversation.
Many of us just want to know our options and to have an opportunity to have a voice.

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Andrea

3/3/2011 01:47:40 am

Sorry, one more thing ... and then I'll stay out of this.
I am more than a bit disappointed that we'd use this as a forum to bash past leaders who must have had a bit of sense in their heads when they negotiated this contract that we hold so dear (a contract that our current president did not want and campaigned against).
I've been in this district a long time, and each of our presidents have had their strengths and shortcomings ... and all of the past presidents (except for one) had children that went through our schools (and some actually teach right here !). They had their kids being taught by those teachers that could be laid off ...their kids were praised or disciplined by those administrators that we seem to quick to demonize. They were part of our community's fabric and that "parent" perspective was vital.
I just want to be sure that before I abdicate my choice to a president and a grievance chair who are not residents of Webster, with no children in our fantastic system, that they've done all that they can possibly (and respectfully) do for ALL teachers.
That's it ... I'm done. Let the attacks on my character begin.

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Troubled...

3/3/2011 07:32:37 am

In reply to: "That's it ... I'm done. Let the attacks on my character begin."

Umm, I'm pretty sure you are the one who is attacking someones character? Let's try to stay respectful-if we can't manage that, we are really at their mercy!

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Bob Marley

3/3/2011 08:15:08 am

Keep it positive brothers and sisters, hopefully you're all using your smart phones because it looks like your not busy enough during the day.

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Mr. WTA

3/3/2011 08:49:05 am

It seems we heard a similar story from the administration during last year's "budget crisis". There was no money, layoffs were unavoidable, and teachers would have to sacrifice. But after the layoffs there was plenty of extra cash for consultants and administrative raises. Jim Austin, the head computer guy who is generally not well regarded, received a $28,000 raise (http://bit.ly/9ipGx4)! And Carmen got an assistant! How many jobs could have been saved if they hadn't recieved huge raises? No wonder they're willing to voluntarily submit to a salary freeze. I would be too if I had an extra $30k in my pocket.

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March 4th

3/3/2011 07:04:57 pm

What we have to realize is that this issue is much bigger than WCSD’s fiscal crisis. The rights of unions to collectively bargain are under attack in multiple states—including our own—and yet some members of our unit would have us poised to break our own contract. Despite the immediate local challenges that face us, we should take heed of the detrimental precedent this could set, not just for ourselves in future years with future contracts, but for all of our organized “brethren” in New York State and elsewhere.

Hogwash’s comment of “[Experienced teachers aren’t] selling you out, they're making it so that once you've served 30 years you don't have to eat Ramen noodles anymore,” has a humorous side but the point is well taken. If we continue as a body to make concession after concession, and our neighbors in other districts do the same, and their neighboring districts in turn, nothing is ever going to change; we only perpetuate this system that we’re in. That means, no matter where you go and what district you work for, the story will always be the same: teachers will take the brunt of it like they always do. Administration will simply initiate layoffs as the most readily available course of flight without instead digging a little deeper for more creative solutions. This is DAO’s aversion to “creative solutions,” not the WTA’s. The bargaining units were presented with a command of “do this…or else,” by Adele and Carm. That’s an ultimatum, not collaboration.

I was speaking with a colleague about this yesterday, and she said, “We all choose where we spend our time.” She meant that we have a choice as to what issues to throw our weight behind. Steve Landgren alluded to this in his post; if districts were allowed to delve into any and all of the “separate pots” of money that are allocated to schools, would we be constructing two artificial turf fields and even having this discussion right now? The WTA and the District working together toward a common goal like this type of state reform seems like a better use of our time, and what a powerful statement that would make to state lawmakers.

Unfortunately, that is not our current situation. That said, we are extraordinarily lucky to have a WTA President who is fully committed to evaluating our options, who critically evaluates sources and rhetoric from DAO with a fine-toothed comb, who has an incredible knowledge of our Contract, and most important to me—who has sense enough to consult with our Labor Relations Specialist (basically our lawyer) and our regional leader when he isn’t sure or doesn’t know the answer to something. They are fully backing him, as is Exec Board, and as is Rep Council. When you consider that the WTA’s current course of action went through all of those people, who deal with these sorts of issues much more than the average teacher, I’m not sure arguments to the opposition hold much water.

The WTA exists to represent all teachers but must ultimately do what’s best for the majority of its teachers. We all have differing opinions and this blog is an outlet for that. But we must present a united front, believe in ourselves and believe that we can help to counter the larger forces that seek to divide us at the state and even federal level. Because if we don’t, we might lose an effective way to advocate for ourselves altogether.

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Unreal...

3/3/2011 10:02:58 pm

I find it interesting that so many people "attack" those who question? Has anyone actually said "Steve, you're doing a bad job - just give up!" NO What I hear are people saying "Let's talk about options" and "Tell us more facts" but what some of you want to hear is "Let's have a fight."
To be honest - the WTA job sucks and everyone always complains and no one is ever happy. Frankly - I feel bad for those people doing it. Not only do you not make everyone happy, you get all mixed up in BS. This is why states want to abolish unions - we are becoming those crybabies they all think we are. Maybe instead of posting on here we could all just teach our kids. That's what I am planning to do.
Okay - attack my character now too.

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Lissa Coppola

3/4/2011 12:34:09 am

Please take a few minutes to watch the following video. As teachers, we need to remember that there are people who support us.

http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/thu-march-3-2011/diane-ravitch

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T.J. Milliman

3/4/2011 01:02:25 am

I also respectfully request a general membership meeting and feel a group discussion would be beneficial. I did attend the Budget meeting yesterday at Schroeder and have more questions than answers but did find it interesting to hear a different perspective. I did find out information that I did not know regarding where the board would like to see the funds come from to fill the projected gap and that other bargaining units have come to an agreement or are working on one.
What was told to be people that showed up was that if each bargaining unit can come up with the savings being asked for there would be no layoffs for next year and next year only. We were also told that they would be willing to put this in writing. We will have to see that really happens.
In addition we asked to see the complete list in writing of what is being done to reduce cost across the district. Not just a blanket statement we have gone to a zero based budget (that is not a No increase budget).
The purpose of the general membership meeting should be to discuss what has been going on in our buildings and with the districts budget plans. I think we the teachers need to be active participants in the discussion. There are lots of creative ways to save funds. I am not saying we need to give up rises or any specific concessions, however feel that we need to be part of the solution not the group that is blamed for a budget that in not balanced. If the administration is really not willing to discuses things other than pay rises we need to call them out if font of more than just the Union Leadership.
Respectfully
T.J. Milliman
Webster Schroeder technology Education

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A Proud WTA Member!

3/4/2011 04:30:04 am

Steve,

I can't think of anyone that I would want representing me. Your emails have been right on. I wish the District had the professionalism and integrity you have demonstrated. The District has acted like kids not getting their way. It is too bad the school board allows them to act like this. I appreciate all your hard work!!

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Ditto!!!

3/4/2011 06:08:04 am

Your vision for WTA is longer than 1 year. If we give now, what do we give next year to keep jobs? Our benefits will continue to erode. How can WTA ever bargain in good faith with the District when they disregard the Taylor Law? Let Adele and Carm continue putting on their dog and pony show trying to suck the emotions out of our members? Steve, your job is thankless, so I am saying thank you brother!!

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Thank You Steve

3/4/2011 08:16:49 am

Thank you Steve for representing our best interests. I trust your leadership, and feel that our school WTA meetings are very informative and allow opinions to be voiced.

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Another in agreement

3/4/2011 10:19:35 am

I just want to say thanks to Steve and all of our representatives. I pay dues for you to represent the best interests of our members as a whole. I don't always agree with Steve, but thank goodness you have a vision for our unit. I can guarantee that no outcome will please everyone. I'm for limited, salary only concessions but if the larger group isn't or our union president isn't for negotiations reasons then I support him. Thanks for not being in lock step with administration. It's nice finally having a union president who doesn't want to be buddies with Adele.

Honor the contract or bargain fairly! It's not complicated and we are just asking management to play nice. We are not the bad guys.

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Sue and Rob

3/5/2011 05:21:34 am

Steve, as members of WTA just want to throw our support behind you and with the union leadership. You are doing what is best for our collective futures. It was clear from the budget meeting that Adele has NO PLANS AT ALL to cut curriculum supervisors or anyone else in those positions, so that is our answer-NO CONCESSIONS, NO BREAKING OUR CONTRACT! Anyone who thinks she is cutting where it hurts herself has another thing coming. WAKE UP PEOPLE-PLEASE!

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WTA member

3/5/2011 11:40:31 pm

I appreciate that we have this forum to express our thoughts and listen to our colleagues. While we may not always agree, it is good to hear multiple viewpoints. I would caution members though to respond to this blog at home and not during school hours perhaps; and also to recognize that I am certain DAO higher ups are reading our posts and will try and use such information in plotting against us.

I know my last remark could come across as cynical, but based on my personal, up close and unique experiences with Adele and Carmen; they are not trustworthy people. In fact, I find them to be lacking in integrity and honesty greatly...moving on from that...well, sort of...if you are thinking that those people can be trusted and taken at their word...I am sorry to say that you are wrong. And I don't want to be the person down the line to say "I told you so." I give those of you credit that have attended these budget forums. I have no interest at all in attending such; while I am highly interested in the subject. The reason I will not invest my valuable time in attending those is because I do not believe a damn word that comes out of Adele or Carm's mouth. The trust has been broken and in my eyes, they can not repair it. I will instead communicate thoughts with my WTA leadership and be involved in that manner.

I did not vote for the last contract to be approved. So what? That is water under the bridge. It bothered me for a few days that it indeed passed and then I decided to move forward because it was not empowering for me to dwell on it. The current contract is there for a reason and if we disregard it and the language in it, then what is left? We need to adhere to it.

Carm and Adele are clearly attempting to divide us by sending multiple e-mails with the same message. The classic guilt trip (blah, blah, they are trying so hard to collaborate and are disappointed in us)! It is pathetic and childish. Not only that - some of the e-mails were sent to non WTA members and it puts other professionals in an awkward and uncomfortable position. And spare me - they have access to solely WTA member e-mails. They run the darn system and have lots of support staff.

Who cares if WTA leadership has children or if they attend Webster schools? Would they really devote the hours they do for the cause if they were not invested? Steve Turiano is doing a phenomenal job and is working his tail off for the greater good of the members. Jamie Fagan, the grievance chair, is a qualified critical thinker that is always thinking outside of the box and looking out for the best interests of members. I couldn't be more thrilled to have Steve, Jamie and others advocating for us at such a turbulent and critical time. They are poised, talented, articulate, thoughtful and rational. I think the WTA leadership is stronger now than it has ever been. We should be thanking our lucky stars. I do not mean any disrespect to Andrea, but my suspicion is that perhaps you do not know Steve and Jamie very well...because if you did know them well, you would not question their commitment or integrity. I own a shirt with a monster looking character on it - it doesn't mean I believe in monsters, have monsters in my closet or worship monsters. None of those theories are true, it is simply a shirt that I find amusing.

Not done just yet...

Curriculum supervisors are a joke. They do very little that impacts student achievement from what I can tell. And great point earlier about the English department lacking a curriculum supervisor. Such a point has been discussed around my building prior to this blog - - which is - - if they play such a critical role, why is it OK and acceptable for English to be lacking this person?

Steve is representing us well by being thoughtful and rational. Adele and Carm are playing on emotions.

And what is going on also with the millions in our emergency funds that are not being looked at for utilization? Does this not warrant at the very least a semi-emergency? Even a few million utilized would be helpful to lessen impact on students. The governor of our state has suggested that schools tap into those funds at this time. Why is this not being considered?

And some reform in Albany is needed about the funneling and flagging of money for schools. I am sorry, but we should not be getting turf fields when we can not even order instructional, classroom items. My classroom pencil sharpener is barely functional, but my students can frolic on a state of the art turf sports field. It's silly and even our students know it and verbalize such.

Lastly - - oh, the smart boards! How much money was spent on those without DAO even asking specific teachers if they wanted/would you this expensive ticket item? I use mine and enjoy it, but some teachers do not touch theirs. And then - - we lost technological support positions this year in the budget etc. That is the kind of haphazard logic

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WTA member

3/5/2011 11:45:53 pm

(believe I was cut off on last post; it was just about complete...)

I was saying that - this is the kind of haphazard logic we are dealing with...and that is not overly encouraging.

Ok, that is enough.

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I guess I'm not in the minority

3/6/2011 06:06:08 am

Steve, Jamie, etc...,

Thank you for doing such an amazing job representing us. We have redundancy throughout this district. Our sole work objective is to educate students. We do a great job. We have given the district concessions with our last contract. There are curriculum supervisors, assistant superintendents, k-6 supervisors, 7-12 supervisors, etc. These people aren't responsible for test scores, graduation rates, etc. Our students learn because of us. We do a great job. We all have worked for our salary and don't be ashamed of it. Adele, Carm, and $28K raise Jim Austin aren't. Adele makes more than the governor for a reason. She should be a better steward of the taxpayers money. Do we really need new turf fields? Do we really need SmartBoards in every room? Who can point to what Neil Flood does [who for some reason has a contract that isn't viewable on the website]. Cut from the top. I highly doubt a parent will call up and say 'Where's my child's K-6 Curriculum supervisor?!?!?! They were really looking forward to learning from them!"

Oops!
I think that this speech is worth a look. Its heartfelt message is what our government has to hear.
Rep Ryan of Ohio:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGODbEjIuf0

Way to go Steve. Behind you 110%

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Why?

3/11/2011 04:51:00 am

I hope all of our members can understand why Adele sent out her email of the staff reductions today. We have a general membership meeting Monday and another low blow by Adele. Did I miss it but I didn't see any administration reductions.

Am I surprised? No. We have to stick together and support Steve and the Executive Board members. Steve is an experienced WTA leader and we need to trust him. I know I do and I have been in this district a very long time. I have seen superintendents come and go. They have the money in reserves not to cut anyone but she needs our concessions to pay raises to the other bargaining units. She is no fool but Steve is smarter and wiser.

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old timer

3/12/2011 01:13:15 am

I agree 100% with the post above me. When Adele and co. agree to get rid of curriculum supervisors-who are not front line service providers-and the other bloated waste AT THE TOP, then, and only then, should we start to listen to her. Steve KNOWS our contract, he KNOWS that administration is trying to pull us apart and split the group by making us feel greedy and selfish-DON'T BE FOOLED INTO TURNING AGAINST ONE ANOTHER! I too have been in this district for a long time-18 years, but I have a daughter in law who is just starting her career as a teacher here. I DO have the big picture in mind, which is why I stand with Steve and the executive board, who we elected to represent our best interests, as opposed to falling for the baloney being sent forth by Adele, Carm, and wanna-be administrators who are saying what SHE wants to hear. WE NEED TO STAND STRONG-SHOW UP TO THE MEETING ON MONDAY-PLEASE-AND HEAR WHAT IS REALLY GOING ON! If we don't stand together we will surely start the dominoes falling...

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Bob Marley

3/12/2011 05:13:46 am

35 teachers are to be cut in Webster, 60+ teachers in Greece, 100's+ in the City. No administrators cut in Webster CSD, one in Greece CSD, many in the Rochester CSD but when compared to the number of teachers it is minimal.

Is Webster heading in the wrong direction? Is Webster CSD more like Greece CSD and Rochester CSD than Fairport CSD, Pittsford CSD, or Penfield CSD?

One question... will the jobs that will be cut next year be restored when we are not granted a raise in 2012-2013? What has district leadership done in good faith that would make you think they would?

Not only should you be afraid for your job, you should be afraid if you plan on sending your kids to Webster CSD. Who will you blame if things are not what you expected? The WTA, because we will not make unilateral concessions?

"Greatness takes time" and the district just wants you to get out of the way and follow their lead. Are you excited about where they're headed?

The membership meeting on Monday has two outcomes; continue down the same path and concede because panic drives your motivation or... rally together and demand, as one single unit, the district leadership negotiate in good faith!

Great moments are born from great opportunity - Herb Brooks

Remember it was the district survey that stated the students were extremely confident in their teachers. The community was also pleased with teachers.

We are not the bad guys management makes us out to be. We have not lied to the district, to the WTA memebership, or to the community. Instead we have worked hard and believed that we are going to be treated fairly.

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Patience!!

3/12/2011 10:21:11 pm

Bob Marley is 110% correct. Another important piece of information for our members to consider:

This is taken from the District's 2010-2011 property tax report card, Under Total Estimated School Tax Levy. This is a legal document that must be presented to the public 24 days before the statewide school budget vote. It is on the District website under District Documents.

From the 2009-2010 to the 2010-2011 Total Estimated School Tax Levy, there was a 3.97% increase, roughly 3.3 million dollars. I emailed the District for the projected numbers for this year and was told they would not have it until the budget is completed. If this year's increase is anywhere like last year, it is a big impact on the budget for this year. Probably it was not mentioned by Adele and Carm at their meetings.

Before you jump on the bandwagon of wanting to make concessions, let us wait for the final budget which has to be presented 24 days before the statewide budget vote. There is no rush and no need to panic. Look beyond Adele's recent email as it was a ploy to make our members panic.

Trust our WTA leadership!!!

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k. smith

3/14/2011 03:15:56 am

The so called union leadership is a joke. What type of real leaders mock those they represent by saying they "don't understand" the whole picture... we are smart people... so show us what we're missing. I think that we have a handful of leaders who don't really want to think about the issue at hand.

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K. Smith

3/14/2011 03:31:26 am

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old guy

3/14/2011 08:27:17 am

In response to:"The so called union leadership is a joke. What type of real leaders mock those they represent by saying they "don't understand" the whole picture... we are smart people... so show us what we're missing. I think that we have a handful of leaders who don't really want to think about the issue at hand."

Sorry, but I did not see anyone "mocking" anyone at all today. I thought Steve did a good job of clarifying and also took our suggestions seriously. A leader who doesn't return emails-Adele- oh yeah, she MUST be listening to us, right? Did you not hear what some of the speakers said when they talked about eye rolling, ignoring suggestions, walking out of meetings? THAT is the leadership you will make concessions to? Sorry, but you obviously do not know Steve or anything about his character to say what you did here. JUST MY OPINION, no disrespect meant.

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We are not the enemy...

3/14/2011 08:31:11 am

Steve and exec board-THANK YOU for everything you are doing to protect us, no matter how much some people just do not get the reality of this situation, the majority of us appreciate the time and efforts you have put into this job.

Fellow teachers-stop allowing them to talk you into thinking that we are the enemy! Be careful what you wish for, because they are definitely coming for unions-face the facts!

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Won't be fooled again...

3/14/2011 09:16:03 am

CUT THE CURRICULUM SUPERVISORS-that is one thing that we all seemed to agree on today at the meeting! They need to go or NO CONCESSIONS-NONE! Maybe the public needs to know how bloated it is at the top, and how much the district would save if we chopped them. Adele-we know you're reading these-CUT THE CURRICULUM SUPERVISORS!!!!!

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WTA Member

3/14/2011 10:24:13 am

I could not agree with "Bob Marley" more with the remark about us not being the bad people management paints us to be. We have been honest and had integrity as WTA members. They have not.

The curriculum supervisors are a joke and are simply Adele's finger puppets. We all know it. There is nothing I have seen that they do that department leaders and assistant principals could not tackle. Data blah blah and smart goals...the time/resources that are invested in these tasks are not worth the impact on student achievement in my professional opinion...but that is just me.

To K. Smith - - how well do you know some of our union leaders? Should this really be a game of s e m a n t i c s? I know Steve Turiano and other union leaders quite well, and can assure you that no one was intending to insult anyone. I don't want to speak for others, but I do know Steve Turiano well enough to know that his desire is to listen to members, respect their thoughts/suggestions, educate members and protect our rights in the workplace.

I could not make the meeting today, but it sounds as if the discussion was meaningful.

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WTA Member, AND a tax payer

3/16/2011 04:04:48 am

Why keep up this public discourse, is it helping to have any parties meet, or any positive pr come to the WTA? Decisions are already made... in ALL ways.

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another taxpayer

3/16/2011 11:59:44 am

This is a sad representation and I am appalled that my children's teachers are behaving like this. Seriously.

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Sorry to hear it

3/23/2011 02:51:11 am

Dear "another taxpayer:"

I am sorry that you think it is the teachers that are behaving "like this" when we truly believe it is our bosses. But I will speak up for my colleagues on this....while we vent our frustrations here, we have all been very professional in the workplace! No one is complaining to our students about these issues. We work and give your children 110% every day. We're allowed to be angry on here. That doesn't make us bad educators. It makes us human.

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The federalist

3/24/2011 10:00:57 am

Dear taxpayer

As a taxpayer and an educator in this district I found it both ironic and humorous that you not only decided to look up our blog but actually post something and critique it. The interesting notion about teaching is that everyone thinks they can do it or are an expert in it until they actually do it. It is even more interesting that you can show up on my blog and comment on how I should act and feel with regard to teaching.....maybe I be given the opportunity to critique the private sector.

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The federalist

3/25/2011 10:54:49 am

Hawk....
That is an amusing post....bullying and antagonism is always the correct way of accomplishing things in a professional manner. As for putting IT to a vote....there is nothing to votE on. The is no contractual negotiations on the table nor is the state budget finalized as of today. in this process of representation for your union you have elected a building rep as well as exec council....it's called a representative democracy......this is not a referendum

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WTA member

3/28/2011 09:02:56 am

Anonymous posting can lead to people saying things that they wouldn't say face to face. Although this comment section had good intentions it has degraded to profanity and insults and I can't see any good coming from it anymore.

I added this blog so our nearly 800 teachers could upload their ideas and comments in a central location rather than "replying to all" in their buildings. Posting these great ideas to this blog could encourage healthy discourse, engaging the faculty of all 11 Webster schools.I ask that we do so in a professional and thoughtful manner. NOTE: If you prefer to remain annonymous, please simply use your initials or WTA Member when asked for your name.